Creamy Garlic Chicken: 1 Amazing Recipe

September 3, 2025

Creamy garlic chicken has become my absolute go-to for a quick, yet impressive, weeknight meal. I remember the first time I tried making it, hoping for something that tasted restaurant-quality but was actually doable after a long day. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled my kitchen, promising something truly special. This creamy garlic chicken recipe delivers on that promise every single time, with tender chicken bathed in a luscious, savory sauce that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. It’s the definition of comfort food and proves that an easy creamy garlic chicken can be incredibly decadent. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken

Incredibly delicious, rich, and savory flavor profile
Super quick prep time, perfect for busy weeknights
A satisfying and elegant chicken with cream and garlic sauce
Budget-friendly ingredients that deliver maximum taste
A crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters adore
Uses simple, fresh ingredients for a wholesome meal
Transform your dinner with this amazing chicken with cream and garlic sauce
A healthier option than many restaurant versions

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect flavor for this creamy garlic chicken recipe. This dish is inspired by a classic garlic butter chicken recipe, but with a luscious cream sauce that makes it extra special. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g) – I always aim for chicken breasts that are roughly the same thickness for even cooking.
1 teaspoon salt – essential for bringing out the chicken’s natural flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – adds a subtle warmth.
1 teaspoon paprika – for a beautiful color and a hint of smokiness.
2 tablespoons olive oil – a good quality olive oil works best for searing.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – this is crucial for that rich, buttery base in our sauce.
6 large garlic cloves, minced – don’t be shy with the garlic; it’s the star!
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream – this makes the sauce wonderfully rich and creamy.
1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth – helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce.
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese – for that savory, cheesy finish.
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs – a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme is perfect.
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (plus more for garnish) – adds a burst of freshness at the end.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Making the best creamy garlic chicken is surprisingly straightforward, and I love how quickly it comes together. The key is to get a beautiful sear on the chicken first, which locks in the juices and builds a fantastic flavor base. This recipe focuses on creating that perfect, luscious chicken in creamy garlic sauce right in your skillet.

Step 1: First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels – this step is crucial for a good sear. Season both sides generously with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. This simple seasoning adds color and flavor.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes per side, until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, covering it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
Step 3: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the pan. Once melted, toss in your 6 large garlic cloves, minced. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – that’s pure flavor!
Step 4: Pour in the 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, continuing to scrape the bottom to release all those delicious browned bits. Next, pour in the 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, followed by the 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs. Whisk everything together gently until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. You’re creating a wonderful chicken in creamy garlic sauce here!
Step 5: Return the seared chicken breasts, along with any accumulated juices from the plate, back into the skillet with the sauce. Let it simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the creamy sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s fully coated and heated through. This allows the chicken to absorb all that amazing flavor. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately. Enjoy your fantastic chicken in creamy garlic sauce!

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Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that elevate this dish from good to absolutely amazing. Follow these tips for the most delicious result!

Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning and searing. This is the secret to getting that beautiful golden-brown crust.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a good sear.
When mincing garlic, aim for a fine mince. This helps distribute the flavor evenly throughout the sauce, making it a truly simple garlic chicken recipe.
For a richer sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded. It melts more smoothly and adds a better flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper makes all the difference!

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken?

The absolute secret to the best creamy garlic chicken is building flavor layers. Start with a great sear on the chicken, deglaze the pan properly to capture all those browned bits, and don’t rush the sauce reduction. Fresh, good-quality garlic makes a huge difference too! For more culinary inspiration, explore our collection of delicious recipes.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead. You can season and sear the chicken a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before adding it to the sauce. However, the sauce itself is best made right before serving for optimal texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Garlic Chicken?

A common mistake when learning how to make creamy garlic chicken is burning the garlic. Cook it gently until fragrant, not brown. Another pitfall is overcooking the chicken; searing it quickly and then letting it finish in the sauce prevents it from drying out. Also, don’t boil the sauce vigorously once the cream is in; a gentle simmer is perfect. For a similar flavor profile, you might enjoy our Indian Butter Chicken recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

This incredible creamy garlic chicken is so versatile, it pairs beautifully with so many things! I love serving it over fluffy mashed potatoes or a bed of tender rice, allowing the rich garlic chicken cream sauce to soak into every bite. Another favorite is serving it alongside some crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that delicious sauce. For a lighter, yet still satisfying meal, I often pair it with steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad. It’s truly a dish that makes any side shine. If you’re looking for other chicken dishes, consider our Mediterranean Chicken Gyros.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Garlic Chicken

This creamy garlic chicken recipe is surprisingly light for how decadent it tastes! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving, so you know what you’re enjoying with this flavorful chicken and garlic dish.

Calories: 420cal
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional data, you can consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

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How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken

I always make sure to have delicious leftovers of this creamy garlic chicken because it reheats so well, making it a fantastic chicken and garlic dish for lunches or another quick dinner. Once your chicken has cooled completely to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. I’ve found that freezing isn’t ideal for this particular dish, as the cream sauce can sometimes separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.

When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it for a minute or two, stirring halfway through. Be patient and avoid high heat, as this can cause the sauce to break. Enjoy your flavorful leftovers! For another delightful chicken option, try our Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir-Fry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Chicken

Can I make this a one pan creamy garlic chicken?

Absolutely! To make this a one pan creamy garlic chicken, you can sear the chicken in the skillet as instructed, remove it, then build the sauce in the same pan. Once the chicken is returned to the sauce, you can let it finish cooking through there if it wasn’t fully cooked initially. Just ensure your skillet is oven-safe if you need to transfer it to the oven to finish cooking.

What is the best way to ensure pan-seared creamy garlic chicken?

For perfect pan-seared creamy garlic chicken, the key is a hot pan and dry chicken. Make sure your skillet is properly preheated before adding the chicken, and pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels. This allows the Maillard reaction to happen, creating that beautiful golden-brown crust that adds so much flavor and texture to the dish.

Can I add vegetables to this creamy garlic chicken?

Yes, definitely! You can easily incorporate vegetables into this dish. I love adding sliced mushrooms or spinach. Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic, or wilt spinach into the sauce just before you return the chicken to the pan. This makes for an even heartier and more complete meal.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Just be aware that it might not thicken quite as much, so you might need to simmer it a little longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to achieve a similar consistency. It’s a great way to adapt the recipe if you’re in a pinch!

Variations of Creamy Garlic Chicken You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you’ll love exploring these delicious twists on creamy garlic chicken. These variations offer new flavors and cater to different preferences, keeping your dinner rotation exciting! For a different flavor profile, consider our Coconut Chicken Meatballs.

Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in Step 3. This transforms the dish into a fiery delight that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Mushroom Medley: Sauté a cup of sliced mushrooms in the skillet after the garlic, before adding the chicken broth. This adds an earthy depth and hearty texture to your creamy garlic chicken breast.
Lemon Herb Twist: Stir in the juice of half a lemon and a tablespoon of fresh chopped dill or chives with the parsley at the end. This brightens the flavors and adds a lovely freshness to the rich sauce.
Dark Meat Delight: If you prefer, swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are incredibly forgiving and stay moist, making them a fantastic choice for this creamy garlic chicken thighs recipe. Just adjust the searing time as needed.